Blackburn Portrait Design

Category: Editorial

Saratoga Wedding Photographer: Wedding Trends 2013

Classic Black and White Wedding Photos are making a comeback.

OK, so I was just reading an article on Wedding Trends for this year at Bridalguide.com, and I am so happy to report that my brides, as always, are right on trend (and many are way ahead of trend, but that is a subject for another post). The fun part of being a wedding photographer, especially in an area like Saratoga and the Adirondacks, is seeing what things are trending and how people personalize their event to make it their own. The following are some of the trends that are current:

The envelopes of this invitation not only have pockets, they are also made of recycled paper. The invitation has a light green pattern/picture as an accent.

This invitation is within a pocket and tied with a ribbon.

1. Invitations–Pattern or pictures are very current. Invitations with pockets and folds to lend a three dimensional look are big this year. Also, there is a trend toward gleam and glitter with silver or gold foil accents. Monograms are still in vogue. Getting photos of you invitations can really help add to the overall design of your wedding album.

This centerpiece/wedding favor is a plant the guests can bring home for their gardens.

2. Going Green–a move toward recyclable or sustainable products, particularly in paper goods and invitations. Plantable trees as favors for guests are gaining in popularity for centerpieces.

A tuxedo jacket with a black tie is always elegant and handsome.

Bonus points for a tie that the groom must tie himself instead of just a clip on.

3. Black Tie is back! Yay! So handsome.

Peonies are so delicate and beautiful, but are only in season for a very short time.

4. Flowers with a delicate petal, such as peonies or roses are on trend right now.

These flowers look as if they were gathered from a formal garden.

5. English Garden floral design–Brides are looking for arrangements that feel like the flowers were just picked from a formal English Estate garden rather than informal, “weedy” looking arrangements. Bouquets with tons of green are definitely on the way out, as are orchids.

The laser cut paper garland is from the Pink Orange.

This floral garland, which was used as an altar decoration, is by Ambiance Floral in Albany, NY

6. Garlands are big–either as floral arrangements, paper garlands or garlands hanging from chandeliers.

The champagne glasses were a vintage find at a thrift store.

The Signature Cocktail at this wedding was blue, which contrasted nicely with the purple linens on the high top cocktail tables on the terrace. The Mother of the Bride gets bonus points for coordinating her bracelet to the drink.

7. Barware with a vintage feel–think the look of a champagne saucer instead of a flute. Or mint juleps served in silver cups. Martini bars are on the way out and are being replaced with artisanal cocktails. People are looking to make a statement with signature cocktails.

A more traditional shape and decoration for wedding cakes is back.

8. Wedding cake silhouettes are returning to a more traditional shape.

Emerald wedding shoes.

9. The Pantone color of this year is emerald. Looks great for shoes, especially in an unexpected combination for weddings like suede with a cork heel.

I loved the way Rudy at Experience and Creative Design decorated the terrace for this wedding last year at the Mohawk Country Club in Niskayuna. The white chandeliers with the purple linens was very elegant and fun.

10. Chandeliers in outdoor areas to make the space feel more formal or whimsical.

I really liked the peacock blue of the bride’s dress. What you can’t see is that this 1950’s inspired cocktail dress had pockets–so fun! Sidney looked elegant and fashionable while staying true to her personal style.

11. Color in the bride’s dress–YAY!

I love seeing the current trends my brides choose to incorporate in their weddings. I especially like that all of them put their own twist on things to reflect their individuality. If you are on the cutting edge, we would love to photograph your wedding.

Want to see more on wedding photos? Click here. Are you looking for a Saratoga Wedding Photographer? Visit our page on how to choose a Saratoga Wedding Photographer.

Saratoga Wedding Photography by Blackburn Portrait Design

August 20, 2013
Why Do a Pre-Bridal Portrait Session for Your Wedding? | Wedding Photography Lake George

Why Do a Pre-Bridal Portrait Session for Your Wedding?

As Wedding Photographers, we offer more than just photography services on the actual wedding day. One of the services we provide for our brides is a Pre-Bridal Session. This is when we photograph the bride before the wedding in her gown either in the studio or on location. Many people might think this is silly or too much trouble, or maybe they think it is a little old fashioned. In our experience, the people who do it are really happy that they did.

This is from a classic studio bridal portrait session with Lauren a week before her wedding.

Benefits of a Pre-Bridal Portrait Session:

One of the great benefits of doing a photography session like this is that you can do a trial run of your hair and makeup to see how your entire look photographs. Are you happy with your hair and makeup on camera? It will also give you a really good idea of how long the hair/makeup process will take on the actual wedding day.

You could also choose to do an outdoor location. Katie got married in Brant Lake, but

These were done in Albany–something the timeline for the wedding day would never have allowed. We have had brides use an image from the session as a wedding day gift for their grooms–they send it over to where he is getting ready. Some grooms have even been known to get a little misty when they receive it–but we will not tell you who.

We also go to do some dramatic lighting during this session.

It is also just a good excuse to go out and have some fun and play around! On the actual wedding day, sometimes the timeline can be a little tight. You may only have time for a limited number of photos, so if you do a Pre-Bridal Session, we can get really creative without worrying about the timeline.

So if you are interested in doing this type of session, please just give us a shout–we would love to do this with you. Interested in becoming a client? Please click here or call (518) 584-4237 or use our Contact Form to schedule your consultation.

You might also enjoy our FAQs for Wedding Photography.

Katie’s gown is from Bridal Gallery by Yvonne

Susan Blackburn of Blackburn Portrait Design is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer offering Photography services in Saratoga Springs, Lake George, the Adirondack Region and destinations worldwide.

July 21, 2013
Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer//Hudson Wedding Showcase

As a Wedding Photographer in Upstate NY, I occasionally participate in Bridal Fairs.

Bridal shows can be a great way for engaged couples to personally meet with wedding vendors all in one spot. This past weekend, I was lucky to be able to participate in the Hudson Wedding Showcase in Hudson, NY. The event was a bridal show put together by Lisa Light and featured some really cool vendors and was capped off with a great fashion show put on by Angela’s Bridal. Below are some shots I took during the show of some of the details and the models. I had a fantastic time!

Loved this dress!

I loved the idea of using this as a favor for the guests and I also loved the antique plates.

The appetizers looked yummy.

We had a little guest:)

Signature Cocktail by Mazzone Hospitality, Paper goods by The Pink Orange.

Specialty Cocktail Stirrers by The Pink Orange.

This was a very cool show and I really enjoyed participating in it.

Interested in finding out more about Blackburn Portrait Design? Contact us.

May 1, 2013
Saratoga Wedding and Portrait Photographer//Confessions of a Strobophobic

I have an awkward confession to make. I used to be a. . . Strobophobic.

I had a fear of using off camera lighting on location. I really don’t know why I felt this way–it was totally irrational. I have used lights in my studio for years. But I was plagued by doubts and fears. To flash or not to flash? Am I being too “flashy”. . . or not “flashy” enough? At times I felt there should maybe be a 12 Step Program for this:) I am now a recovering Strobophobic.

Anyway, as a professional Portrait Photographer, I decided last year that this silly fear was kind of ridiculous and kind of holding me back. So I signed up for a class at MARS with Scott Robert Lim. He helped me overcome my fear of off camera lighting on location. He helped simplify it and made it fun. This year I took a class with Stephanie and Peter Zettl at NEIPP to further explore my options and to work on some refinements. Below are some things I have been working on both in and out of the classroom.

Using a Prophoto light off camera with an Octobank softbox. Loved this light:)

Off camera speed light. I wanted this to look like an Old Hollywood Portrait by George Hurrell.

I did this last February with off camera speedlight.

Multiple lights:)

Prophoto light with a beauty dish. I really, really love that light:)

Here my friend Ray Peeples is my lighting assistant, holding my trusty speedlight. What would I have done without him?:)

Did I mention how much I love George Hurrell?

I have to say that available light is still my favorite way to work, but I really love that now I have more options when it comes to my portrait photography on location. Thank you to everyone who made it possible to start to overcome my strobophobia. I still have a ways to go.

Interested in becoming a client? Please click here to fill out a contact form, or call (518) 584-4237 to schedule a session or consultation.

April 24, 2013